Avoiding the strong coastal winds the Exe to Axe runners had to deal with, Sidmouth Running Club’s Judith Jeeves headed up to the capital to take part in the London Landmarks half marathon.
Judith at the London Eye
Wearing very apt leggings depicting the landmarks she was going to run past, Judith said it was a fabulous route, very well organised with lots of entertainment and support. The Mighty Green was running for Alzheimer’s Society, a charity close to her heart and was delighted not only to have raised over £450 but to finish in 2:08:56. Brilliant!
Climb South West organised sunshine for their 4th Sid Valley Ring half marathon on Saturday and what a difference it made, even the ground had started to dry up.
Ready to start
New this year was the earlier start time for walkers and slower runners which club runners Carol Hounsell, Sarah Watkins, Clare Luke and Alexa Baker opted for. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, taking in the stunning scenery and were pleased that the first runner from the main race didn’t pass then until the other side of Harcombe, 8.5 miles in.
Beautiful sunny views
Mighty Green Colin Ryan had an exceptional run, passing the early start ladies on the coast path after Dunscombe Manor and finishing 9th overall in a field of 99. Colin said he enjoyed running in the sun and was pleased not to slip up on the muddy sections. His time of 2:04:29 was a PB too-result!
Colin powering up the hill
Neville Hylton, who had cheer leaders by the Frogstone, finished in 2:41:31; Christine and Karen Farnham running in sync finished in 2:50:23 and Christie Ward finished in 3:18:58. The early birds finished in 3:23:42-five minutes to spare before Carol’s carpark ticket ran out.
Christine and Karen
For anyone questioning why you would pay to enter a route you can freely run around at any time Climb South West provided a well stocked aid station at Sidbury, clearly marked out the route with many more signs than the SVR ones, first aid cover, friendly road marshals, a very impressive weighty medal, homemade cakes at the finish line, photographers and a video of the event-a full package.
The Early Birds
Sidmouth Running Club will be cheering Mighty Greens Richard King, Jane Hemsworth, Lynda Hawkins, David King, Richard Summerhayes, Kathy Jordan and Marion Johnson on next Sunday as they run the London Marathon. This will be Kathy and Marion’s first London Marathon and both have been fundraising; Kathy for Mill Water School and has raised £600 so far and Marion has raised an incredible £4316 so far for Leukaemia Care.